Meeting Eyes — Oxygen for the Soul

When life is hard and there seems to be no way out of our suffering, meeting eyes with someone who loves us is like a blood infusion for the psyche. We try very hard to lift ourselves up. We do all of the “right” things to keep ourselves going, despite what comes our way. Walking, meditation, sleep, healthy eating, rest, quiet reading, but some eventualities burn through all of our layers of protection and cut straight to the heart and we break wide open.

Another being, one who loves us and sees us as we are, shows up for us — sometimes it’s a stranger, sometimes it’s a friend or family member — but it is someone who has been where we are in some form or another and rescues us with deep eye contact. We can breathe again. We can take one more step.

“Basic human contact – the meeting of eyes, the exchanging of words – is to the psyche what oxygen is to the brain. If you’re feeling abandoned by the world, interact with anyone you can.” ~ Martha Beck

As an introvert, I find it tempting to shrink away from others when I am in pain. But, now, when I risk lifting my head to meet the eyes of another I am gifted, encouraged, strengthened. . . and so very, very blessed.

Thank you. I am so very grateful to all of you who have reached across the space between us to meet me where I am. Across the miles between us, even without eye contact, I feel your love and it touches my soul. It gives me strength to keep on keeping on. Thank you.

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